KEY POINTS:
It took five years of auditioning, but Kahurangi Waititi is finally getting her spot in the limelight with the Magic.
For years, the 24-year-old film producer has tried to break into the Magic line-up, and in her first season with the National Bank Cup champions she's seized her chance to shine.
Waititi made a huge impact in the Magic's 61-48 win over the Flames on Saturday night.
Playing at goal keep, filling in for injured Silver Fern Casey Williams, she shut down the Flames' menacing shooter Shelley Norris after the Canterbury side took control of the opening quarter.
"Kahu has come along in leaps and bounds," said her partner in defence, Silver Fern Joline Henry. "Any opportunity, she's ready to pounce."
Waititi made the Magic team for the first time this season, after four previous attempts. Last year, she missed the final cut, but was loaned to the Otago Rebels and travelled from Hamilton to Dunedin each week for training and games.
The girl from the East Coast wanted to stay in Hamilton to complete her masters degree in screen and media at Waikato University, specialising in producing film and documentaries.
"She's an academic - she thinks too much sometimes, instead of a good pass and catch," laughs Magic coach Noeline Taurua.
"It paid off loaning her out to the Rebels last year. We knew she was developing, but she wouldn't develop sitting on the sideline."
Taurua is concerned that next year's Tasman Trophy, which replaces the National Bank Cup, will offer even fewer places for up-and-coming players.
"We have to create something meaningful for that next tier of players - there can't just be an elite level.
"It might have to be in another competition, or strengthening the national champs," she said.
It was a night for the veterans of the Magic to stamp their mark too, after a subdued start to the competition. Irene van Dyk was as assertive as ever, shooting 50 from 52, and fellow Fern Laura Langman roped in her opposite at centre, Flames captain Julie Seymour, for the final three-quarters of the game.
Taurua said her team finally showed some "character and bone", but their best is yet to come.
